Family

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Meera's pov
Arjun's mother leads me inside the temple. I looked in the direction of Arjun. He blinked his eyes in assurance. How come this sweet action makes my heart skip a beat?
I think this Arjun makes me feel crazy.

He wanted behind us. Seeing him in a white silk dhoti and shirt makes him look like a groom. My heart flutters at the mere thought of marrying him. My fantasies came to a halt when Arjun's mother introduced me to Arjun's father.
I greeted him, he smiled at me and asked, "What's your father's name ma?"

" Vikram, he worked as a banker uncle " I replied.

He looked at Aunty and she nodded at him. He looked at me lovingly and patted my head saying "Does my little angel know I am your father's friend"

I was surprised and he looked at Arjun. " Arjun don't you told my relationship with ram " Arjun's dad asked.

" Appa, I didn't have time."

" Vikram, he doesn't have time. And who told you to break the surprise? I wanted to tell her in person. But you broke it", Arjun's mother replied.

It makes me feel confused. What are they talking about? How does Arjun's dad know my dad? They were discussing seriously.
Arjun held my hand and muttered " I will tell you when we reach home"
I nodded at him.

"Amma, Appa please don't start this now. We are not at home."

" But Arjun, your dad-",

Mom I am telling you please we will discuss this at home. We need to conduct pooja right, it's already late.
Arjun held his mother's shoulder and led her inside the mandap where the pooja was held.

I followed them.

Uncle and Aunt began the pooja. Besides them, 2 young couples sat along with their children. Arjun stands along with me on the side, the priests begin to say the mantra.
Some people were standing opposite us, one girl stood among them and gave me a murderous glare. I averted my gaze from her and concentrated on the pooja.
After half an hour the pooja ends. Arjun dropped me at home along with his mother, whereas the rest of them reached the home in another car.

I entered the house along with Arjun.
I am afraid about how his family will react seeing me. Will they like me? He doesn't introduce me as his girlfriend. He only introduced me as a friend. These thoughts revolve in my mind. It makes me feel agitated.

His father takes the couch along with his mom. There stood the two young couples, I think they were his brother and sister along with their family.

" Mom, who is this girl? Why is she standing here? " the young lady in her late 20's asked.

"Sweetie, is this the way to talk to the guest?" Arjun's mother chided.

"But, Mom who is she?" she continued.

" Aunty, who is she? And why she is holding Arjun's hand", the girl looks at me with detest. She looks familiar to me like I have seen her somewhere. But, I wasn't able to remember.

Before Aunty spoke, "She is my girlfriend" Arjun said nonchalantly.

He leads me to his room.

This time Uncle spoke. " what are you saying? Aren't you already engaged with Savi?"

The gentle gaze and the loving smile on his face vanished when he told me about my father being his friend. Now his face is replaced with a scowl.

" Anna ( Brother), you already promised me and my husband that our savi will get married to Arjun" the lady in her late 50s said while crying.

" Seetha, don't cry, whatever happens, Savitri is the daughter-in-law of this family," Arjun's father said sternly.

"Appa, what are you talking about? I am not engaged and I already spoke to you about this matter."
" I don't have interest in marrying Savitri. I never show any kind of attention or give hope to her."

"Arjun, how dare to speak against Father"? The young man said.

" Anna, don't interfere in my matter", Arjun replied.

"How dare you rascal, to talk like this. Are you out of your mind?" the young seethed and held the collar of Arjun.

" Amar, what are you talking about? Be calm", his wife holds him back.

"How are you asking me to be calm Anaya?" he uttered in disbelief.

It feels like my whole being is shaken. The ground under my feet feels like being slippery. I can't able to stand properly. By knowing my plight Arjun wound his arms around my shoulder.
And gives my arm a little squeeze.

"Vikram Anna, you finally broke the promise to my husband. How do you do like this? Do you think that as my husband does no one will be there for us? As me and my savi is staying in your house you guys are ready to forget your promise. What shall my savi do? She is living this life by thinking of Arjun as her husband. What will my poor daughter do?"
Seetha Aunty muttered helplessly.

Now I feel like snatching the life of an innocent woman. I am happy to come to this house. But my happiness doesn't last nearly 3 hours after meeting them. It feels like when I landed my feet inside the house I snatched their happiness. Why doesn't give happiness to other people?

" Anni(sister-in-law) don't worry, we will find a way" Arjun's mother said.

Savitri said, "How can you say that Athai ( Aunty), that girl is standing inside our house and shamelessly snatching my fiance? How can say this? Don't you have a daughter? How does it feel if it happens to swa-"

"One more word from you, you can't see me this calm" Arjun exasperated.

" what's wrong with her saying my little brother," swathi looks in my direction while smiling. " Aren't you ashamed of this, don't you know she has been in love with you for the past 2 years, don't you feel bad for her?" Swathi said while looking accusingly.

She came before me and held my arm, " how did you make him fall in your mace? Did you love him for money? Or did you blackmail him with your child? What kind of women are-"?

Tears were falling from my eyes, how did she talk like this, that to her brother in front of the whole family? How does she think this low of me? Never in my 23 years of life has anyone talked like this. I feel humiliated that I can't able to take it.

" SWATHI, BEFORE YOU UTTER ONE WORD, REMEMBER THIS NA AKKA NU PAKKA MATTAE ( I WILL NOT SEE YOU AS MY SISTER) I WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR IT"
Arjun's voice boomed.

Arjun's mother calmly said, "Why are you all causing a ruckus in my house"
Suddenly the house went silent.

"Arjun take Meera to your room. I will come in a few minutes"

"But Satya,-" Arjun's father said.
" I know what I am doing" Arjun's mother replied calmly.

" Arjun go to your room", she said. With that Arjun take me to his room.

Guys, I am back. How are you all? I took too many days to update. Sorry for this, I am sick so I wasn't able to update. Now I will update this frequently. Hope you will like this chapter. If you don't like it or if is it boring tell me and I will change it according to it. Till now what have you guys felt about the story? Comment your opinions. I want to know about this.

16 October 2024

With love your dear Author

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